Fredericton was founded on a tradition of innovation from the early pioneers to the forefathers who established the oldest university in Canada.

Innovation is in our DNA, it’s part of our culture. When we think innovation, it typically conjures images of high tech companies and research & development, but it’s in the fabric of everything from our preserved heritage to the design of our streetscapes, green spaces, and art, cultural & recreational amenities.

Being the fourth highest university-educated population in Canada, it comes as no surprise that our universities and colleges continue to produce top-notch talent.In this monthly column, I’m going to take you on the journey of how we evolved from a sleepy little government/university town to a thriv...

In December, we explored the City’s journey of diversifying from a government/university town to a thriving knowledge-based economy, investing in digital infrastructure, and earning global brand equity as a ‘smart city’.

In this month’s column, you will learn about what’s happening in our Innovation District. The concept of innovation district evolved from another key deliverable of the city’s first economic development strategy, Vision 2000. It was to develop a ‘knowledge corridor’ by creating a technology and research park, and leveraging assets like the universities and research and development organizations.

Having started my career in economic development in 1992 with the launch of Vision 200...

Spring is in the air - well actually innovation is! March kicked off the start of innovation season celebrating and recognizing innovation in New Brunswick.

BreakThru, presented by the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, awarded over $1 million dollars to four companies on March 23rd at their signature ‘Late Night’ styled event. It was a high energy, exciting evening, and we congratulate all of the participants, and final winners: Pfera (NB grand prize); Newpy (national grand prize); and SomaDetect & WEnTech Solutions (both NB runners up).

The first Energy Innovations Forum, presented by the Smart Grid Innovation Network (SGIN), took place April 4-5th at the Fredericton Convention Centre, featuring global, Canadian and local industry experts, who are innovating and playing in the smart grid and smart energy space. In addition to top-notch speakers, 300+ delegates had the opportunity to network with other energy sector businesses, utilities, researc...